Free Knit Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth Pattern

Free Knit Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth by Janice Jones  Updated December 31, 2025

This free stockinette-stitch dishcloth pattern is a great first project for anyone just learning to knit. 

Aside from the simple stockinette stitch pattern, knit one row, purl the next—the only additional design element is a garter stitch border. The border is added to keep the dishcloth from curling.

Beginner stockinette-stitch dishcloth with a garter-stitch border, knit in pink cotton yarn.

Why This Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth Is Perfect for Beginners

This stockinette stitch dishcloth is designed specifically for beginner knitters who want to practice even knit and purl tension while making something useful. The garter stitch border prevents curling, making it an ideal first stockinette project that doesn’t require blocking to look neat and flat.

Learn more about cotton and acrylic yarns.

Stockinette Stitch Texture Compared to Other Dishcloth Stitches

When choosing a stitch for a knitted dishcloth, texture makes a big difference in how the cloth feels and how it works. Some stitches are smooth and gentle, while others create more texture for scrubbing.  You will find that I have many different dishcloth patterns with varying textures if stockinette is not your favorite.

A stockinette stitch dishcloth has a smooth surface on one side and a slightly bumpy texture on the other. This makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use for light cleaning, wiping counters, or even as a soft washcloth. It’s also an excellent choice for beginners who want to practice keeping their knit and purl stitches even.

Seed stitch dishcloths have more texture than stockinette. The small raised bumps provide a little extra scrubbing power, making seed stitch a good everyday option for washing dishes while still being beginner-friendly.

Garter stitch dishcloths create ridges that naturally help the fabric stay flat. This stitch is durable, easy to knit, and works well for dishcloths that will be washed and used often.

More textured stitches, such as basketweave, sand stitch, or hurdle stitch, create thicker fabrics with more grip. These stitches are better for heavier scrubbing and tend to last longer, though they may feel firmer in your hands.

If you’re just starting out, a stockinette stitch dishcloth is an excellent first project. As your skills grow, trying different textured stitches can help you find the right balance between softness, durability, and scrubbing power for your needs.

Stitch Texture Comparison for Dishcloths

Stockinette Stitch

  • Smooth texture
  • Best for light cleaning and washcloths
  • Skill level: Beginner

Garter Stitch

  • Light ridged texture
  • Best for everyday dishcloths that lay flat
  • Skill level: Beginner

Seed Stitch

  • Medium texture with small bumps
  • Best for general dishwashing and light scrubbing
  • Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

Basketweave and Other Textured Stitches

  • Heavy texture with a firm grip
  • Best for scrubbing dishes and tough messes
  • Skill level: Intermediate

Skill Level

Easy

Skills Needed to Complete this Free Knit Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth

How to make a knit stitch

How to make a purl stitch

How to cast on using the long-tail cast-on method

How to bind off

How to weave in ends

How to make the stockinette stitch pattern

Abbreviations

k - knit

p - purl

CO - cast on

BO -bind off

*    *  Work instructions within the 2 asterisks for the total number of times indicated

Supplies

  • 100% Cotton Worsted Weight (#4) Yarn
  • Knitting Needles: Size US 7 or 8 (4.5 to 5.0 mm)
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Suggested Yarn for a Knit Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth

The best yarn for a stockinette stitch dishcloth is a 100% cotton yarn in a worsted weight. Cotton is absorbent, durable, and holds up well to frequent washing, making it ideal for everyday kitchen and bath use.

Worsted-weight cotton yarn is especially beginner-friendly because it creates stitches that are easy to see and helps you practice even knit and purl tension without splitting the yarn.

Why Cotton Yarn Works Best

  • Absorbent: Cotton soaks up water better than acrylic or wool.
  • Durable: Holds its shape through repeated washing and drying.
  • Heat-resistant: Safe for use around warm dishes and countertops.
  • Easy care: Most cotton dishcloths can be machine washed.

Yarns to Avoid for Dishcloths

Avoid acrylic yarns for dishcloths, as they are not absorbent and can melt or degrade with heat. Wool yarns are also not recommended because they can felt, stretch, or retain odors when used for cleaning.

Yardage Needed

One dishcloth uses approximately 35–45 yards of worsted-weight cotton yarn, making this a great project for using up leftover yarn from other projects.

Notes

All instructions use standard U.S. knitting terminology.

Instructions

Cast on 37 stitches.

Rows 1 - 4: Knit all stitches.

Row 5:  K4, Purl to last 4 sts.  K4.

Row 6:  K across

Rows 7 and beyond: Work Rows 5 and 6 until the piece measures 7.5 inches, or your desired length.

Last 4 rows:  Knit across.

Bind off

Weave in Ends.

Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth FAQs

Does stockinette stitch curl?

Yes, stockinette stitch naturally curls at the edges. This dishcloth includes a garter stitch border, which stabilizes the fabric and helps it lay flat without blocking.

Is stockinette stitch good for dishcloths?

Stockinette stitch works well for dishcloths when paired with a border. It creates a smooth surface that is easy to knit and comfortable to use, especially with cotton yarn.

What yarn is best for a stockinette stitch dishcloth?

A 100% cotton worsted-weight yarn is ideal. Cotton is absorbent, durable, and holds up well to repeated washing.

How big should a knitted dishcloth be?

Most knitted dishcloths measure between 7 and 8 inches square. This pattern finishes at approximately 7.5 inches, which is a comfortable size for everyday use.

Free Knit Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth Pattern:  Pin for Future Reference

Free beginner stockinette stitch dishcloth pattern with garter stitch border – easy knit project.

Ready to Try Another Dishcloth Pattern

For more stitch ideas and textures, you can explore my collection of free knit dishcloth patterns.

Or, just click the photos below to be taken directly to the dishcloth pattern.
A thumbnail checkerboard garter stitch knit stitch patternGarter Stitch Dishcloth Pattern
Knit seed stitch worked in white close up viewSeed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern
Basket weave stitch made up of knit and purl stitchesBasketweave Knit Dishcloth
A thumbnail image of the knit andalusian knit stitchAndalusian Knit Stitch Washcloth
Purl ridge knit pattern thumb size 350-234Purl Ridge Dishcloth Pattern
Knit sand stitch pattern worked in greenSand Stitch Dishcloth Pattern
Garter stitch pattern worked in beige yarn, thumbnail imageGarter Stitch
Knit bamboo stitch closeup (350-234 px)Bamboo Stitch Dishcloth
The knit hurdle stitch pattern made with pink yarn.Hurdle Stitch Dishcloth Pattern
A thumbnail image of the knit rice stitchRice Stitch Dishcloth

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